NBA partners with MGM for integrity boost over gambling

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The NBA, concerned with integrity after a US Supreme Court ruling that could allow sport gambling in every state, announced Tuesday a partnership with sports betting operator MGM Resorts International.

The landmark multi-year deal makes the NBA the first American sports league with an official betting partner.

The deal, which ESPN reported was for three years and worth at least 25 million US dollars, allows MGM Resorts to use official NBA and Women's NBA data and branding on a non-exclusive basis across its US sports betting offerings.

The NBA and MGM Resorts will also unite to protect the integrity of NBA and WNBA games, including anonymized real-time data sharing and integrations across NBA platforms, including a special digital content series.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (L) and MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO Jim Murren announce the first official gaming partner of the NBA and WNBA on July 31, 2018 at the St. Regis Hotel in New York, US. /VCG ‍Photo

In May, the Supreme Court struck down a 1992 US law that banned sports betting in most states, opening the door to Internet bets with the support of many who had worried that sports gambling would jeopardize the integrity of game results.

"As the landscape for sports betting in the US continues to evolve at a rapid pace, MGM Resorts is a proven gaming leader for us to work with on this groundbreaking partnership," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

In 2007, NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to charges related to an FBI investigation that accused him of betting on games which he officiated in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons.

The new deal follows prior MGM deals with the NBA and WNBA. MGM Resorts has been title partner of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas for the past two years. Last year, MGM Resorts purchased the Women's NBA's San Antonio team and moved it to Las Vegas, rebranding the club the Las Vegas Aces. The team plays home games at the MGM Resorts-owned Mandalay Bay Events Center.

"The NBA has always been an innovator at the forefront of sports evolution and MGM Resorts is thrilled to partner with the league to revolutionize sports betting in the United States," said MGM Resorts International chairman Jim Murren.

MGM Resorts will be promoted across the NBA's television network, website, app and social media platforms with the NBA being promoted across the sports betting platforms of MGM Resorts.

Source(s): AFP